Elite Dangerous: June Dev Log 2026

19 June 2026

Greetings Commanders,

Welcome to June's Dev Log. In this month's post we'll be taking an in-game and under the hood look at the spectacular Nomad, the next new ship coming to Elite Dangerous alongside Operations on 30th June. Speaking of Operations, we've got new information on all six of the Operations planned for day one. Let's get started, shall we?

The Nomad Arrives

As showcased in our recent concept reveal, the Nomad is the next ship arriving in ARX Early Access for players as part of Operations, our next major update to Elite Dangerous, arriving for PC players on 30th June. Let's take a first look at the Nomad in-game, alongside Curtis Griffiths, Senior Game Designer, and Chris Gregory, Art Director.

The Nomad is Elite Dangerous' first Ship-Launched Vessel (SLV), a utility ship which offers explorers a new way to get closer to planetary surfaces with an eye for organics. A utilitarian design and landing skids allow the Nomad to perch in a number of harder to reach locations, whilst rotating engines pivot to further reduce the landing footprint.

Chris: "We often work on very large spacecraft such as the Panther Clipper or the Caspian Explorer. Even our small spaceships are pretty big, so the Nomad was a very different assignment for us. The ship has a more human scale and as such needed a different approach to its design with less panelling on its hull and more small-scale detailing."

Curtis: "It's a new way of bridging the gap between our space and on foot gameplay, the Nomad allows more freedom when it comes to navigating planet surfaces without the large bulk of a mother ship. It also offers the comforts of a large well outfitted ship but the convenience of a much smaller vessel for manoeuvring and landing"

Chris: "Back when we added the launch bay for the ship launched fighter we had at the back of our minds that it might carry other types of vehicles so its great to be able to return to that idea. I’ve always loved the idea of spaceships coming out of other spaceships, perhaps due to watching too much classic sci-fi in my youth. The Nomad is our take on a classic type of ship launched spacecraft, the surface shuttle."

"Unlike the ship launched fighter the Nomad can touch down on the planet's surface and so we also had to design its landing gear. There were practical concerns here as we wanted the ship to be able to land almost anywhere. To achieve this, the Nomad's footprint needed to be as small as possible, so rather than our usual landing gear that unfolds from the body of our ships we gave the ship fixed helicopter style skids mounted on the underside."

Commanders can also look forward to a brand-new module exclusive to the Nomad, a Mk II Biological Scanner. This new module allows the pilot to pick up biological signals whilst on the surface and behind the flight controls, making it the perfect scouting ship.

Curtis: "When we first thought up the idea for the Nomad we wanted to give players something that would help with getting those hard to reach, out of the way biologicals. Some of these signatures can be tucked away in spots on a planet which are challenging to reach and land near, but also tricky to spot with your eyes alone. The obvious solution was to give the Nomad a version of the on foot scanner."

The following information on the Nomad was updated on 22.06.26

We have heard your feedback regarding the range of ships which the upcoming Nomad can deploy from. Our intention was that the Nomad's functionality under the hood was designed with long-term game balance in mind, which is why we initially required a Mk II module, aligning it with other previously released Mk II ships. However following a weekend of reviews, we are now working to roll out a Mk I module which will allow the Nomad to be stowed on more ships. We will be updating the June Dev Log to reflect this new information.

It is our intention to grant this Mk I module functionality to the ships listed below in time for the Nomad's launch on June 30.

Purchasing the Nomad in ARX Early Access will grant the Nomad, plus Mk I and Mk II versions of the hangar module. The Mk II hangar module is lighter and more efficient for hauling this utilitarian explorer around the galaxy. Visit outfitting to claim these modules, which will be free if you have purchased the Nomad.

The Nomad will available for 16,520 ARX. The Stellar bundle also includes the Cliffhanger Orange Paint Job and the Strider Ship Kit for 33,000 ARX. Commanders can further increase their visual choices with the Galactic bundle for 60,000 ARX, containing all Stellar bundle cosmetics plus the Signal Blue Holo-Kit Pack, the Rambler Ship Kit and the Science Internal Kit Pack.

Ships which can deploy the Nomad from a Mk I module

Alliance Crusader (Class 5-6)
Anaconda (Class 5-7)
Beluga Liner (Class 5-6)
Caspian Explorer (Class 5-7)
Federal Corvette (Class 5-7)
Federal Gunship (Class 5-6)
Imperial Cutter (Class 5-7)
Keelback (Class 5)
Krait MkII (Class 5-6)
Panther Clipper Mk II (Class 5-7)
Type-9 Heavy (Class 5-7)
Type-10 Defender (Class 5-7)
Type-11 Prospector (Class 5-6)

Ships which can deploy the Nomad from a Mk II hangar module

Caspian Explorer (Class 5-7)
Panther Clipper Mk II (Class 5-7)
Type-11 Prospector (Class 5-6)

The Nomad also has something else quite unique about it which we're not sharing in this Dev Log... this will be unique to the Nomad's role as an exploration SLV and is a key part of this vessel's design. Be sure to check out our Elite Partner Program creators next week as they get hands on for the grand reveal!

Discover Operations

Operations is the next major update to Elite Dangerous, introducing six multi-stage, variable challenge based scenarios offering a range of different ways to team up from anywhere in the galaxy once docked at a market! Additional Operations are planned for the future, as we continue to evolve this area of the game

This new feature also introduces immersive new environments to the game, including Megaship interiors. Long time Elite Dangerous artist Simon Brewer took the lead on these new environments which are the most extensive and complex interior locations the team have ever put together. Next month, we'll be doing an art retrospective on some of the best bits of Operations, where Simon and the team will show off more of the details they've packed into some of these new spaces.

In case you missed it, we covered Operations in detail in last month's Dev Log, so we'd recommend taking a look!

Here's a reminder of those six Operations which will be playable on June 30, and some new information on how we suggest you tackle them.

Operations at Launch

Terminal Prosecution

Formerly: Pirate Hunt

A criminal element is causing trouble in the system, they've been raiding for weeks now, it's your job to clear them out.

Recommended No. of Players: 2 - 4

On Foot/In Space: Both

Difficulty: Easy / Hard

Recommended Gear (Easy): A Rated Ship (Low Level Engineering)

Recommended Gear (Hard): Full Grade 5 Engineering

Tactical Takedown

Formerly: Counter Attack

The client's megaship has been compromised by a rival faction, you will need to board the ship and fight your way through the command deck to obtain the flight records and trace the origin of the attack. Then you'll want to bring your firepower to bear on the general responsible for the attack at their home base.

Recommended No. of Players: 3 - 4

On Foot/In Space: Both

Difficulty: Easy / Hard

Recommended Gear (Easy): A Rated Ship (Two players in an evac ship)

Recommended Gear (Hard): Grade 4/5 Engineering

Reclamation Point

Formerly: Megaship Massacre: Reclaim

The megaship has been hijacked, your job is to eliminate all hostile forces in and around the megaship so the client can recover it. You'll need your best gear and ship to accomplish your goal.

Recommended No. of Players: 2 - 4

On Foot/In Space: Both

Difficulty: Easy / Hard

Recommended Gear (Easy): A Rated Ship (Two players in an evac ship, one in combat ship)

Recommended Gear (Hard): Grade 4/5 Engineering (Two players in an evac ship, one in combat ship)

Rapid Response

Formerly: Surface Rescue

A planetary port has come under attack, there are still some trapped personnel inside that need rescuing, but you can't delay, a huge hostile enemy fleet is on the way, if the evacuation isn't complete in time there will be no hope for those still trapped inside.

Recommended No. of Players: 3 - 4

On Foot/In Space: On Foot

Difficulty: Easy / Hard

Recommended Gear (Easy): Grade 1/2 On Foot

Recommended Gear (Hard): Grade 4 + Engineering On Foot

Firestorm Rescue

Formerly: Burning Rescue

There are hostages trapped in a burning station, break the siege and evacuate those that remain. You will need to manage the stations heat to buy enough time to complete the rescue while dealing with the hostile forces trying to stop you.

Recommended No. of Players: 3 - 4

On Foot/In Space: Space

Difficulty: Easy / Hard

Recommended Gear (Easy): Grade 1/2 On Foot | A Rated Ship (No Engineering)

Recommended Gear (Hard): Grade 5 On Foot | Full Grade 5 Engineering

Biohazard Takedown

Formerly: Megaship Massacre: Strike

A group of researchers are developing a dangerous weapon, you need to assault the ship, obtain the location and IDs of the researchers and take them out.

Recommended No. of Players: 2 - 4

On Foot/In Space: On Foot

Difficulty: Easy / Hard

Recommended Gear (Easy): Grade 1/2 On Foot | A Rated Ship (No Engineering)

Recommended Gear (Hard): Grade 4/5 On Foot | Grade 4/5 Engineering

Operations FAQ

We've also been keeping a close eye on your biggest questions regarding Operations, and in this month's Dev Log, we're tackling them! We'll also be keeping these FAQs up-to-date with more answers, so be sure to check back in the future for the latest Operations FAQs.

Gameplay

Can I complete an Operation in solo?

Operations have been designed as a team focused activity - but if you want to truly prove your skills, ensure you gear up fully to take on the fight by yourself. We recommend using at least the Recommended Gear (Hard) set-up on an Easy mission variant if you attempt this.

Can I fill any empty slots in my squad with NPCs?

No, an Operations squad must be comprised of up to 4 players.

Can I switch ships or suits during Operations?

You will be able to switch suits by returning to your ship during a mission. Ships must be selected prior to the start of an Operation whilst forming your squad, however you will be able to access any ship within your shipyard. Once you've started an Operation, you are not able to change ships.

What happens if I am destroyed during an Operation?

In space you'll be returned to the Operations Runner or the last Operation specific dock, whilst for on-foot missions you'll return to your ship, ready to immediately redeploy into the fray. There are no penalties for redeploying during an Operation.

Rewards

Where can I spend my Merc Coin?

In May's dev log, we had originally been planning to create a standalone Merc Store, however following an internal review we've instead decided to incorporate these into existing vendors found at spaceports and at key locations around the galaxy:

Ship Modules - Outfitting
Blueprints - Obtained via Engineers

Merc Gear is obtained at a base level and can be upgraded by visiting the respective engineer.

What rewards can I earn?

Rewards vary from modules to blueprints, and from Grade 1 through to Grade 5. We'll be continuing to expand reward offerings for Operations following launch.

(Final values in the screenshot above may change)

Does the difficulty affect the rewards?

Yes, completing an Operation on Hard offers a greater value of reward, however the main factor which influences your rewards upon completion is the Operation you are playing.

Other

What is the Networking & Balancing Beta?

As with any major change we make to Elite Dangerous, we have to balance a variety of connectivity and server considerations, such as measuring the load on Elite's servers in a live service environment. When we introduce Operations, we'll be doing this with a Networking & Balancing Beta stage, essentially allowing us to make tweaks and adjustments more regularly behind the scenes to ensure optimal performance.

Do I need Elite Dangerous: Odyssey to play Operations?

Yes. You will need the Elite Dangerous: Odyssey expansion to take part in an Operation.

Stellar Screenshots

Every week Commanders across the Milky Way can showcase their creative skills with the #StellarScreenshots competition. Our favourite 10 entries each week receive one of 3 exclusive Asp Explorer Shatter paint jobs! Commanders can enter by sending a screenshot to either the Stellar Screenshots forum thread, sharing it on X with the hashtag #StellarScreenshots or posting in the Stellar Screenshots channel of the Frontier Unlocked Discord.

We've picked 6 entries from the amazing screenshots we've received over the past month, but be sure to check out our social channels to see all the other amazing entries!

Stellar Screenshots - CMDR Alcyone Pleiades

Stellar Screenshots - CMDR Ghost Giraffe

Stellar Screenshots - CMDR Goober Gibbington

If you would like to learn more about the Stellar Screenshots check out our forum thread.

Influencer Spotlight

Elite Partner Program Early Access

If you're interested in seeing Operations or the Nomad in action, check out our Elite Partner Program creators, who will be streaming and creating content throughout next week!

Other News

Galnet Recap

It's been a busy month of Galactic news.

10 June 3312 - Radicoida Unica 'cultivated, not created' by Guardians
- Interest continues to grow among the scientific community following Ram Tah’s speculation that the Guardians once cultivated Radicoida unica for their own use.
4 June 3312 - Frontline Solutions announces expansion of services
- Frontline Solutions has declared it intends to expand service processes to meet growing demand.
1 June 3312 - New reports of criminal fleet raise questions
- Rumours are spreading across several systems following multiple sightings of ships bearing unidentified markings in formation.
28 May 3312 - Guardian archive hints at ancient Raidicoida Parallels
- Ram Tah has confirmed the existence of previous mention of what appears to be Radicoida unica in the Guardian Archives.